Q: I'm worried about the security of my home with people I have never met. 
A: This is a common question many people ask, and there are a number of things that should make you feel comfortable with swapping your home.

First, remember that your exchange partner is letting you stay in his or her home, and probably has some of the same concerns. Our experience has been that most members take the same care of their houseswap home, expecting you to do the same with your houseswap.

You will probably have had enough correspondence and phone calls while arranging details of the exchange to feel comfortable with your exchange partner. It is common practice to ask for and provide references, especially from prior exchanges. You need to make sure you feel absolutely comfortable with your exchange partner before the swap.

If you don't feel comfortable for any reason, there are lots of other club members to choose from. 

Q: How secure is this facility?
A: No contact details, addresses or email addresses are displayed on the listings. Initial contact is always through our central routing server which passes on your initial enquiry to the intended Club Member. Should the Club Member wish to proceed, then they will then contact you directly via e-mail and normal correspondence to arrange the exchange can take place.

Q: Is it safe to put my exchange details on the internet?
Yes, because we do not provide anyone with your address or phone number. You do so only after corresponding with the people.

Q: Can I include a picture of my home with my details?
Yes, When completing the form with the details of your Houseswap, you will see details of how to send us a picture of your swap.

Q: How do I arrange an exchange?
A: Look through the listings for a destination, and property that appeals to you. On every listings page is a contact button which will forward your interest and comments to the intended Club Member.  You then wait for them to contact you via email. Once contacted, normal email correspondence and even phone calls can take place.

To give yourself the best opportunity for a successful swap, contact a number of possible exchange partners, expressing interest in swapping and describing your home, area, family, and preferred dates. 

Meanwhile, you will probably be getting inquiries from your listing from all over the world offering even more choices. From these initial contacts, select those that are the most interesting. We advise that it is courteous to reply to all enquiries, even if it is to say that you cannot swap, this enables the other Club Members to pursue their other contacts. 

Q: Who pays the bills?
A: Pay all mortgage and utility bills as you normally would, and agree in advance who should pay the phone bills - each exchange party normally pays for their own telephone calls. The home owner continues to pay for any regular cleaning help, gardeners, pool service etc. However, if the exchange party hires a maid, etc., payment is their responsibility.

Q: Will my car and home insurance still be valid
A: Always check with your insurance agent, as policies do vary.  Do not hesitate to set restrictions i.e. restrict drivers to those age 25+, indicate the maximum amount of miles to be driven during the period of the exchange, and make it clear if you do not want them driving your car in to certain areas.

Usually home owner's insurance remains in force to cover guests in your home, but once again, check with your agent. 

Q: Should we exchange official contracts?
A: Legally drawn up contracts are not necessary. However a houseswaps agreement is sent to you when you become a Club Member. This can help identify responsibilities, limitations, and how to deal with unexpected problems, etc.

Q: What if my exchange partner cancels at the last minute?
A: Once you are sure your arrangements have been finalised, book your tickets (airline, etc.). Make copies of these tickets and send them to your exchange partner. Once significant amounts of money have been invested, it is extremely unlikely that either side will cancel.

Q: What about damage to my home or property?
A: The responsibility lies with whomever caused the damage to either pay to have it repaired, or to reimburse you. You should also establish this in advance through your houseswaps agreement.

Q: What about my pets?
A: For a lot of families, looking after their exchange partner's pets is a task they enjoy. Often, your trading partner will willingly care for your pets, or have pets of their own your family can entertain.

The specifics of any pet care arrangements should be worked out well in advance of your swap. While some people enjoy pets, others would not want to be tied down during their vacation. In those cases you may have to make boarding arrangements, or have someone else come in to care for your pet, as you would do normally.

Q: My home is very ordinary; can I expect to get an exchange?
A: This is one of the most commonly asked questions, and you may be in for a surprise. What you think is "regular" might be very special to someone from another area. Different features appeal to different people.  A couple with a large beach property may be seeking a small village cottage.

If you see a listing that appeals to you, write to them! You don't know what will happen until you try. Your home may be just what the other member is looking for.

Q: Can I make more than one exchange per year?
A: You can make as many exchanges as possible during that year.

Q: Are there any hidden costs?
A: No, your annual fee of $30 is all you pay to list your property and use the Club Member facilities.

Q: Is there anything I can do in preparation for a houseswap?
A: Yes, be flexible about your dates and requirements. Get together several  sets of pictures of your home and family so that you can send them in an instant to interested parties.  Ensure that you include your fax number on your listing so that people can contact you directly and quickly if you do not have an email.

Q: What preparation should I do at my own home?
A: Leave a list of instructions posted in a common place, for example the kitchen. Leave important phone numbers like police, fire, etc., close to the phone. If you have any neighbours who are willing to answer any questions, then list their names, address and telephone number as well.

Q: What about things that I don't want my houseswaps partners to use?
A: It is best for you to remove those items you don't want used.

Q: What about valuable items?
A: It is common sense to insure valuable items and to have an inventory of all the items in your home. This is no exception. Extremely valuable items should be photographed for your own insurance purposes.

Q: Can I use my holiday or vacation home as an exchange?
A: Of course, this may even enable you to be more flexible over dates.

Q: Is there a limit to how many homes I can list
A: No, there is no limit, each listing however will have an individual password related to the Club Membership for that property.

Q: Can I only list houses?
A: No, you can list any accommodation that you think someone may want to swap with. The broad categories are:- Houses, villas, flats, boats, yachts, cruisers, motorhomes, caravans, RV's etc..